Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry

As new technology allows its techniques to become more and more sophisticated every year, and as the thousands of resulting success stories spread, the popularity of cosmetic dentistry is continuously on the rise. As a result of this, more and more people are considering it as an option. Of course, opting for cosmetic dentistry is a big decision, and naturally it is important to do your research before taking the plunge. To make this easier for you, the team at Harley Street Smile Clinic have put together this list of some of the most commonly asked questions to help anyone thinking of enhancing their smile.

1. How Much Do Cosmetic Dental Treatments Cost?

There is always a question of budget whenever you consider taking any major step, and it’s often difficult to get a straight answer, as prices vary between disciplines, procedures and clinics. However, Harley Street Smile Clinic offers very affordable treatments, with our lower prices for treatments such as gum sculpting, tooth contouring and stain blasting coming in at just £250 overall, and on the other end of the scale, prices for our express 3-day service for veneers starting at £1,295. There are also offers such as the Mini Smile Makeover, where you can combine stain blasting, tooth contouring and whitening for just £795. You can also arrange a payment plan for veneers and whitening, meaning that your finances can stretch further.

2. How Long Will Cosmetic Dental Treatments Last?

The answers to this depend both on the treatment and on your oral health regime. Tooth and gum reshaping is, of course, permanent, while veneers can last up to 20 years. Time may change your tooth or gum tissue, of course, and veneers can chip just like natural teeth, but in these circumstances, the materials can easily be replaced. Some people state that tooth whitening has lasted up to 10 years for them, but veneers should always remain the same colour.

3. Is Tooth Whitening Bad For Me?

Tooth whitening is completely safe. There may be some slight sensitivity shortly after treatment, but this is temporary and does not mean that your enamel is damaged. Your teeth can still stain just as easily as they did, so practising good oral hygiene is vital.

4. Will it Look Fake?

With veneers, and with whitening, we work with you to find a look you want during your consultation. Porcelain veneers and bridges have been centuries in development, and now new technology can work in utterly minute detail to ensure that your smile looks completely natural. The porcelain layers we work with are thin but strong and can be shaped and coloured to match your smile perfectly.

5. Will it Hurt?

If any procedure is invasive or more likely to cause pain, the area will be locally number first. Options for this can be discussed with a specialist during a consultation prior to you receiving the treatment. If you have particularly sensitive teeth, a fear of needles or any other concerns about the physical and pain-related aspects of cosmetic dentistry, don’t hesitate to talk to someone at the practice about it. You’re certainly not the first person with these worries, so don’t think that you won’t be taken seriously. We want all our patients to be as comfortable and happy as possible prior to, during and following their procedure.

6. Will I Be Put Under General Anaesthetic?

It is extremely rare nowadays for any kind of dental procedure to be performed under general anaesthetic – while the client is artificially “asleep” – purely for health and safety reasons. Many people are afraid of what might happen while they’re “under”, even though patients under general sedation are always closely monitored and properly cared for. For those who would have preferred to be fully sedated, there is no cause for concern – a local anaesthetic is always properly applied and well calculated, meaning that nothing will go wrong and you won’t feel any pain or discomfort at all throughout your procedure.

7. Can I Change My Mind Later?

This very much depends on the type of procedure that you have undergone. As mentioned, tooth and gum reshaping is permanent – though, through the use of veneers or other treatments, your look can be changed again if you require. Veneers themselves usually require a small amount of enamel to be removed to improve their fit, and crowns or bridges require work on the natural tooth that is still more intrusive, so this will have a permanent effect. If you are unhappy with the results of any procedure, simply talk to your dentist and they will inform you of what they can do to meet your requirements.

8. What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?

All practitioners at Harley Street Smile Clinic are extremely experienced and highly trained, with a lengthy history of performing every procedure we offer, so it is exceptionally unlikely that there will be an issue or problem of any kind during treatment. However, if something happens to your teeth once the procedure is complete – say you chip a veneer or an implant is knocked out in an accident – your dentist will be on hand to assist. It’s always best to call up the specialist who undertook your procedure, as they will have kept records of what has been done and will be able to rectify the problem more easily.

If you have any further questions to ask, Harley Street Smile Clinic offers a free consultation to anyone interested in having cosmetic dentistry. Simply call 020 7486 6777 or email [email protected] today, and the friendly specialists will be more than happy to help you.

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